My UW Scholarship Story

 

When I was preparing for college, one of the biggest concerns on my mind was the cost, especially as someone looking to attend a school outside of my home state. I knew I wanted to explore new places and have a new experience, but I also knew I didn’t want to carry a huge financial burden. That’s why choosing the right university meant more than just finding the right academic fit, I needed a school that also made financial sense. That search led me to the University of Wyoming, a place that not only offered a great education and friendly campus culture but also came through for me in a big way financially. 

As an out of state student, I was initially unsure whether I could afford to go to school far away from home. But one of the best surprises of my college application process was receiving the Brown and Gold Commitment, a renewing scholarship for non-resident students. What made this scholarship so meaningful to me wasn’t just the financial relief, it was how easy the process was. I didn’t have to submit an extra application, write an essay or meet with a scholarship committee. The scholarship was awarded based on the admissions application I had already submitted. 

This kind of support right out of the gate made my college decision much easier. It showed me that UW truly values academic achievement and is committed to helping students succeed, no matter where they are from. The Brown and Gold Commitment helped lower my out of state tuition significantly, and that made UW an attainable out of state school. 

 

 

One of the things that really sets the University of Wyoming apart is its national reputation for value. UW consistently ranks among the most affordable public universities in the country. The university works hard to keep costs low for students while still providing a high-quality education, a beautiful campus and incredible resources. 

The university uses Cost of Attendance (COA) to estimate how much it might cost a student to attend for one academic year. This includes both direct expenses, like tuition, university fees and housing if you live on campus, and indirect expenses, like textbooks, personal items and transportation. It’s important to note that COA is not a bill, but it’s a helpful planning tool that gives you a clearer picture of what your financial needs might be. 

The estimate is flexible depending on your situation. For instance, the COA differs for students who live off campus versus those who live on campus or at home. It can also vary based on your residency status (in state, out of state or international) and in some cases, your academic program. If your real life expenses don’t match the estimates, you can even appeal for a COA adjustment. This level of transparency and flexibility goes a long way when it comes to financial planning. 

The University of Wyoming uses a scholarship platform (WyoScholarships) to award from. Students should at least complete the General Application each year to be considered for institutional scholarships, most of which will fulfill any Commitment you receive. 

The University of Wyoming is proud to support resident students through the Cowboy Commitment. It is available to new first time degree seeking Wyoming residents, based on academic achievement at the time of admission, and there is no extra application required. Student will be considered for the Hathaway Scholarship at the time of admission as well. 

 

 

If you're a first year student (or a high school senior planning for college), it's completely normal to feel anxious about how you'll afford everything. But at the University of Wyoming, there are so many financial resources and tools available that you really don’t need to panic. 

If you’re worried about whether you’ll be able to afford college as a first-year student, know that there’s a scholarship, grant or aid package out there that can help. UW’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid is ready to guide you through every step, from applying for scholarships to understanding your offer letter. 

Attending the University of Wyoming has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and that decision was made possible because of the financial support I received through the Brown and Gold Commitment. As an out of state student, I felt welcome and supported right from the start. I never felt like I had to figure out finances alone, and every step of the process has been clear and manageable. 

If you’re considering UW, I highly recommend exploring your scholarship options early and taking advantage of the resources that are already in place for you. From automatic awards to department specific scholarships, there’s so much help available, you just have to take the first step. 

College can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to cost, but it doesn’t have to be. At UW, you’ll find a community that believes in your potential and backs it up with real support.